Providing Real Choice When Kids Choose A New Writer's Notebook


As the Australian school year draws to a close, we reach a time where attention is given to student resources and supplies for the next academic year. So, I find myself thinking about how schools might best go about supplying students with writer’s notebooks for 2023. 

Allow me to be frank here -we're talking writer's notebooks, not a string of sausages. It's a decision requiring some consideration. Handing out a one size fits all notebook relegates this special writer's resource to little more than workbook status in the eyes of young writers. If kids come to view the writer's notebook in this way, it loses integrity. It loses its individuality. Those books may come to be viewed as a 'teacher thing.' The ownership eroded significantly.

Such an outcome remains totally avoidable, but it does however require some pre planning on the part of those managing the acquisition of school resources. Demonstrating the integrity of this writing resource is ultra-important.

An increasing number of schools are asking suppliers to provide a range of writer's notebook prior to the end of the school year. Student writers are then asked to peruse the selection on offer and choose the notebook that best suits their particular needs as a writer for the year ahead. Young writers are afforded choice and a sense of agency. Increased student engagement in writing is more likely to occur.

This always works better in situations where the young writers have participated in reflective discussion in class, as to the choices available, and how making a more informed decision regarding their needs as writers, increases the sense ownership and engagement. 

Choice begins with allowing kids to choose the type of writer's notebook they wish to 'own.' One size doesn't fit all writers. Lined, unlined, thick, thin, big, small. The notebook also needs to be easy to transport, not too cumbersome. It needs to be sturdy and the paper quality also needs to be considered. Portability and durability are important considerations. The writer asks, Does this notebook meet my particular needs as a writer? Their notebook choices are thus informed.

Personally, I never choose a notebook with spiral binding. They lack the requisite sturdiness to last the distance. They appear too flimsy. I prefer a notebook with a strong spine. But, that's me...

Young writers deserved to be alerted to their options. Suppliers can cope with such a request. An increasing number of schools are facilitating this important differentiated change. 

I've seen it in action and the result leads to an outcome that is quite transformative. Young writers feel respected. Make a request to your supplier to bring in a range of notebooks based on what young writers feel would best satisfy their writing needs. Lay the notebooks out before student writers and let the choosing begin. I have witnessed the barely contained joy that comes bubbling up when a young writer shares their brand new, self-selected notebook. Students make their choice and these are put aside for them to reconnect with on the first day of the new school year.

Some schools, situated in close proximity to larger stationery stores, have on occasions, organized a visit -a mission if you like. This has enabled young writers to choose their preferred notebook directly from the shelves. 

 Increasingly, I am encountering young notebook owners with specific preferences where notebooks are concerned. I recently had a discussion with a young writer who informed me he had chosen a large, unlined notebook because he liked to draw and write in his preferred writing space. His notebook was A4 size with a sturdy cover and a strong spine. His friend had chosen a much smaller, lined notebook. 

I further recall meeting a young writer who had chosen to spread her writing across three notebooks. She had a large notebook, she kept at school. A medium sized notebook she regularly wrote in at home and a third smaller notebook, she had dedicated to her poetry writing efforts.

Choice begins here for writers, regardless of age, or experience. I get to choose what works best for me, and have done so for almost four decades- why shouldn’t this option be extended to the developing writer? It has certainly contributed to my engagement with writing. Choosing my next notebook continues to deliver a genuine buzz. 

If young writers wish to continue writing in their current notebook when the new school year commences, that should be seen as a positive. Such a committed stance, honours process. The new notebook can wait until they are ready to call upon it. 









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